We love to compare things because it let's us know how we are doing. Sizing others up let's us know where we stand.
We compare...
the size of our church to others
how busy our schedules
how much we do for God
who we know and associate with
who we know and associate with
whether we've been on a mission trip or help out with the children ministry
how often we read the Bible and pray
how our children behave
bank accounts
material possession
whether or not we've had a divorce
how much we give
how much we've sacrificed or how little
our sins to the people around us.
The list of things we compare is endless.
I grew up around pastors. Get a bunch of insecure or egotistical pastors (a.k.a humans) who don't know each other and more than likely you'll hear a lot of comparing. In middle school, I picked up that the size of the church is in direct relation with your perceived importance. My dad didn't teach me this, but I learned this through conversations with people. The larger the church my dad pastored, the more important I felt.
We love to compare; it seems to be an inherited trait.
Our conversations are spoken aloud when they have to do with less personal issues such as the church we attend. We hear the whispers in our head when they are more personal. We are constantly sizing people up.
I constantly battle looking at another believer's life and comparing myself to them. When someone is successful, jealousy and envy peek their ugly heads. When someone fails, I pat myself on the shoulder and think, "Thank God I'm not like them."
But comparing our lives with others doesn't tell us anything of value.
After Jesus' resurrection, John tells us about a conversation that Jesus and Peter had (John 21:20-23). Jesus tells Peter how he is going to die. Peter knows that Jesus is God and knows the future. So what does Peter do? This is the same man who knows he is going to be the leader of the church.
Peter starts to compare.
Peter asked Jesus "What about John, how is he going to die?"
Jesus' response, "What is that to you? You follow me!"
We compare things. That's what we do. It is a hideous part of the flesh that I can't wait to shed one day.
Your calling is not to compare but to follow. The only measuring stick you should carry is whether or not you are following Jesus. Your calling is not fulfilled through looking at what others are doing or have done.
Jesus teaches us what to do with an attitude of comparing.
He asks, "What is that to you?"
What is it to you how someone else lives? Ask yourself that question next time you find yourself looking at another person to compare.
Are you following Jesus or are you comparing your life to other Christians?
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